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853 Chapter 4:Working with families • Section 14: Engagement in REP Services (07/2026) Cited from OAR 461-135-0915 “Specific Requirements; REF” • The participant is unable to work due to a disability or medical condition that is documented by a qualified and appropriate professional, and which is expected to last more than 30 days from the filing date for REFC benefits. • The participant was separated from employment for a reason determined as “Good Cause” per OAR 461- 130-0327, or as a result of a layoff. • The participant was pregnant and experiencing medical complications due to a pregnancy that prohibited them from participation in approved activities of the program. This must be documented by a qualified and appropriate professional. • The member was fleeing from or at risk of domestic violence Cited from OAR 461-130-0327 “Good Cause”: • If the participant has no means of transportation and would have to walk an unreasonable distance to engage in their plan. An “unreasonable distance” is a distance that requires a commute of more than two hours each day. • If the hours or nature of the job interferes with the participant’s religious observances, convictions, or beliefs. • The service requirement or work site is in violation of applicable federal, state, or local health and safety standards. • The daily hours of work and the weekly hours of work exceed those customary to the occupation. • For a reason not found above that ODHS determines to be good cause.
A Family Coach would want to use common sense on whether the person is experiencing an undue hardship preventing them from participating in FSSP activities. A Family Coach may reach out to a supervisor for additional support in determining good cause. OAR 461-135-0915 states that judgment for determining good cause for reduction or employment separation from employment should be made through the lens that a “reasonable person of normal sensitivity, exercising normal common sense under similar circumstances” would have participated in behaviors or made the choices that would lead to the discharge from employment or voluntary reduction of hours or separation from employment. What is re-engagement? The re-engagement process provides an opportunity for ODHS to use strength-based and trauma-informed care practices to gain an understanding of what may be preventing a participant from engaging in services and to allow the participant an opportunity to participate in a plan that aligns with their needs and goals. An individualized, strength-based approach refers to policies, practices, and strategies to identify the strengths of individuals, families, and communities. Using a strength-based practice acknowledges each person or family’s unique set of strengths and challenges and encourages their partnership in developing and implementing their FSSP. Trauma-informed care practices help one to understand the whole person seeking services. Trauma affects an individual’s sense of self, their sense of others and their beliefs. This can directly impact their motivation or ability